Adam Dugas and Megan Stogner (Photo by Bob Turton Photography)
Reviewed by Lovell Estell III
Media Park
Through August 24
RECOMMENDED
Shakespeare in the Park for Families is back! Since 2006, Artistic Director Tim Robbins and The Actors’ Gang have introduced young people to the delight of Shakespeare’s works by infusing whimsical characters and storylines into some of the Bard’s popular plays (Past productions have included ‘Harry Potter Hamlet,’ ‘Toy Story Tempest, ‘Much Ado about Pooh,’ and recently, ‘ The Comedy of Arrs’.). This summer, it’s a raucous interpretation of “All’s Well That Ends Well,” described as “outer space meets the Wild West,” written by Rynn Vogel and imaginatively directed by Adam J. Jefferis.
In this adaptation, Helen (Megan Stogner) is a “lonesome, two stepping cowgirl” from area 51 in Roswell, New Mexico who has always had a fascination with what’s “up there.” She dreams of living among the stars and dance battling in outer space, a ridiculous notion for which she is mocked by the townspeople. But one night while on a stroll, she sees a mysterious light, then a spaceship, and out comes a clutch of E.Ts from the Sombrero Galaxy, whose only scary feature is that they all have four arms. Their mission: to find a cure for their King (Adam Dugas) who has an awful tummy ache.
Helen learned a few things from her father who was a doctor in area 51, so she is able to relieve the king of his ailment and, as a reward, she is given a position as a dancer on the King’s Galactic Royal Guard. But because she is an earthling, she is opposed by Dance Captain Bertram (Jacob Dotson), who insists she complete some tasks to prove her worthiness. It all comes down to an epic dance-off between Helen and Bertram. Will it end well?
The show is loads of fun. If you are a country music fan, you will especially enjoy the large selection of classic tunes that are played throughout. For those who want a break from the confines of the theater, it is an ideal respite. Tarps are provided in front of the performance space, there is plenty of room for chairs, and there is no need to fear the heat: ample shade is provided by a pair of enormous trees. The atmosphere, enhanced by some colorful props, is welcoming. The ensemble performs well, and Kayla Blake delivers sleek, energetic choreography. Oh, and for both adults and kiddies, there are alien ears provided courtesy of the house!
The Actors’ Gang, Media Park, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City Sat.-Sun., 11 am; thru Aug.24. https://theactorsgang.com Running time: approximately an hour.
